1 Month Ancient Capitals of China Journey: Crossing Ancient China

Embark on a month-long odyssey through China’s most storied ancient capitals. From Beijing’s imperial grandeur to Hangzhou’s Song Dynasty elegance, this journey weaves through UNESCO sites, local markets, and lesser-known gems. All transport, accommodations, and activities are arranged by IntoTravelChina, ensuring seamless transitions between cities. Luxury 4-5 star hotels, private drivers, and expert guides elevate this trip into a cultural immersion.

Beijing (Days 1-5): Imperial Majesty & Hutong Life

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

9:00 AM: Fly into Beijing Capital International Airport. IntoTravelChina’s driver, Mr. Wang, greets me with a sign and transfers me to The Peninsula Beijing (luxe rooms with Forbidden City views).

12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel's Jing Restaurant—try Peking duck (crispy skin, tender meat) and jiaozi (dumplings).

3:00 PM: Private tour of Forbidden City. I walk through halls where emperors once ruled, marveling at jade dragons and golden thrones.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Da Dong Roast Duck—innovative duck dishes with cherry sauce.

Day 2: Great Wall & Summer Palace

8:00 AM: Private driver to Mutianyu Great Wall (less crowded section). I hike the restored watchtowers, snapping photos of rolling hills.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Schoolhouse Restaurant—farm-to-table dishes with organic vegetables.

3:00 PM: Tour Summer Palace. I row a dragon boat on Kunming Lake, passing marble boats and pagodas.

7:00 PM: Stay at The Peninsula Beijing—soak in the indoor pool with a view of the city.

Day 3: Hutongs & Temple of Heaven

8:00 AM: Private car to Hutongs. I explore narrow alleyways on a rickshaw, visiting Prince Gong’s Mansion and a local family’s courtyard home.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Hutong Cuisine—zhajiangmian (noodles with fermented soybean paste) and baozi (steamed buns).

3:00 PM: Visit Temple of Heaven. I join locals in tai chi, then climb the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Quan Ju De—Peking duck (traditional style) and ma po tofu (spicy tofu).

Day 4: Lama Temple & 798 Art District

8:00 AM: Tour Lama Temple—Tibetan Buddhist temples with giant Buddha statues.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Vegetarian Lifestyle—mock duck (seitan) and buddha’s delight (stir-fried vegetables).

3:00 PM: Explore 798 Art District—avant-garde galleries and street art. I buy a silk-screen print as a souvenir.

7:00 PM: Farewell dinner at The Peninsula Beijing—Shanghai-style crab (sweet and buttery) and braised pork (melts in your mouth).

Day 5: Beijing to Pingyao

8:00 AM: High-speed train to Pingyao (4.5 hours). Check into Pingyao Hongshanyi Hotel—a restored Ming Dynasty mansion with carved wooden beams.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Pingyao Restaurant—Pingyao beef (braised in soy sauce) and shao bing (sesame flatbread).

3:00 PM: Tour Pingyao Ancient City Wall—walk the 6km ramparts, passing watchtowers and arrow towers.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Pingyao Night Market—jianbing (savory crepes) and tanghulu (candied hawthorn berries).

Pingyao (Days 6-7): Ming Dynasty Time Capsule

Day 6: Rishengchang Draft Bank & Double Forest Temple

8:00 AM: Visit Rishengchang Draft Bank—China’s first bank, founded in 1823. I learn about ancient banking systems.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Pingyao Restaurant—Pingyao beef (braised in soy sauce) and shao bing (sesame flatbread).

3:00 PM: Hike Double Forest Temple—a Tang Dynasty temple complex with giant Buddha statues.

7:00 PM: Stay at Pingyao Hongshanyi Hotel—soak in the hot springs with a view of the city walls.

Day 7: Pingyao to Luoyang

8:00 AM: High-speed train to Luoyang (3 hours). Check into Luoyang Kempinski Hotel—luxe rooms with views of the Longmen Grottoes.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Luoyang Restaurant—Luoyang water banquet (8-course soup feast) and shao bing (sesame flatbread).

3:00 PM: Tour Longmen Grottoes—100,000 Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Luoyang Night Market—yangrou chuan (lamb skewers) and jianbing (savory crepes).

Luoyang (Days 8-9): Tang Dynasty Splendor

Day 8: Luoyang Museum & White Horse Temple

8:00 AM: Visit Luoyang Museum—see Tang Dynasty artifacts and Terracotta Warriors.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Luoyang Restaurant—Luoyang water banquet (8-course soup feast) and shao bing (sesame flatbread).

3:00 PM: Tour White Horse Temple—China’s first Buddhist temple, founded in 68 AD.

7:00 PM: Stay at Luoyang Kempinski Hotel—soak in the indoor pool with a view of the city.

Day 9: Luoyang to Xi’an

8:00 AM: High-speed train to Xi’an (1.5 hours). Check into The Grand Mercure Xi’an—luxe rooms with views of the city walls.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Xi’an Restaurant—roujiamo (spicy meat sandwiches) and biangbiang noodles (thick, chewy noodles).

3:00 PM: Tour Terracotta Army—8,000 life-sized warriors guarding Emperor Qin’s tomb.

7:00 PM: Dinner at De Fa Chang Restaurant—xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and braised pork (melts in your mouth).

Xi’an (Days 10-12): Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty Nights

Day 10: Xi’an City Wall & Muslim Quarter

8:00 AM: Bike the Xi’an City Wall—14km of Ming Dynasty ramparts. I rent a tandem bike with my guide.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Muslim Quarter—yangrou paomo (lamb stew with bread) and jujube cakes (sweet, sticky pastries).

3:00 PM: Tour Great Mosque—a blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Jasmine Restaurant—Tang Dynasty-style cuisine (recreated dishes from ancient recipes).

Day 11: Hanyangling Museum & Tang Paradise

8:00 AM: Visit Hanyangling Museum—Terracotta Army-style tomb of Emperor Jing.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Xi’an Restaurant—roujiamo (spicy meat sandwiches) and biangbiang noodles (thick, chewy noodles).

3:00 PM: Tour Tang Paradise—a recreated Tang Dynasty park with pavilions and lakes.

7:00 PM: Stay at The Grand Mercure Xi’an—soak in the hot tub with a view of the city walls.

Day 12: Xi’an to Chengdu

8:00 AM: High-speed train to Chengdu (4 hours). Check into The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu—luxe rooms with panda-themed decor.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Chengdu Restaurant—Sichuan hotpot (spicy broth with mushroom and beef) and dan dan mian (spicy noodle soup).

3:00 PM: Tour Chengdu Panda Base—early entry to see cubs play.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Shu Feng Garden Restaurant—mapo tofu (spicy tofu) and braised pork (melts in your mouth).

Chengdu (Days 13-15): Pandas & Sichuan Spice

Day 13: Jinli Old Street & Sichuan Opera

8:00 AM: Tour Jinli Old Street—haggle for hand-carved bamboo flutes and mala skewers.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu—try the “numbing-hot” mapo tofu.

3:00 PM: Back at the hotel, join a cooking class—learn to make ma po tofu and hongyou chaoshou (red oil wontons).

7:00 PM: Sichuan opera at Shu Feng Ya Yun—face-changing masks and folk music.

Day 14: Dujiangyan & Qingcheng Mountain

8:00 AM: Private driver to Dujiangyan Irrigation System—2,200-year-old waterworks.

12:00 PM: Lunch at a riverside restaurant—dandan noodles served in a hollowed-out pineapple.

3:00 PM: Cable car up Qingcheng Mountain—meditate at Shangqing Temple.

7:00 PM: Stay at Qingcheng Mountain Six Senses Resort—eco-luxury villas with private hot springs.

Day 15: Leshan Giant Buddha
8:00 AM: Scenic drive to Leshan Giant Buddha—climb the 90-step trail behind its head.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Leshan DaFu Restaurant—ji rou mian (chicken noodles) with pickled mustard greens.

3:00 PM: High-speed train to Fenghuang (2 hours). Check into Fenghuang Ancient Town Hotel—stilt-house rooms with lantern-lit balconies.

7:00 PM: Boat ride on the Tuojiang River—try suan tang yu (sour fish soup).

Fenghuang (Days 16-17): Miao Minority Magic

Day 16: Fenghuang Ancient Town

8:00 AM: Explore Fenghuang Ancient Town—lantern-lit bridges and women in embroidered dresses. Avoid loud bars—book a room on the quiet side of the river.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Lao Ji Restaurant—chongqing xiaomian (spicy noodles) and tanghulu (candied hawthorn berries).

3:00 PM: Visit Miao Minority Village—learn about silver crafting and traditional dances.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Fenghuang Night Market—yangrou chuan (lamb skewers) and jianbing (savory crepes).

Day 17: Fenghuang to Dali

8:00 AM: Flight to Dali (2 hours). Check into Dali Old Town Hotel—a restored Bai minority mansion with carved wooden beams.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Dali Restaurant—rushan (milk fan) and baobao (rice cakes).

3:00 PM: Tour Dali Ancient City—walk the 14km city walls, passing watchtowers and temples.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Dali Night Market—jianbing (savory crepes) and tanghulu (candied hawthorn berries).

Dali (Days 18-19): Bai Minority & Erhai Lake

Day 18: Erhai Lake & Three Pagodas

8:00 AM: Bike around Erhai Lake—120km of scenic trails. I rent an e-bike and stop at lakeside villages.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Erhai Lake Restaurant—fish hotpot (spicy broth with river fish) and sticky rice balls (sweet and chewy).

3:00 PM: Visit Three Pagodas—a 1,000-year-old Buddhist complex with three giant stupas.

7:00 PM: Stay at Dali Old Town Hotel—soak in the hot springs with a view of the lake.

Day 19: Dali to Nanjing
8:00 AM: Flight to Nanjing (2.5 hours). Check into Nanjing Kempinski Hotel—luxe rooms with views of the Yangtze River.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Nanjing Restaurant—Nanjing salted duck (crispy skin, tender meat) and shao bing (sesame flatbread).

3:00 PM: Tour Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum—climb 392 steps to the tomb of China’s founding father.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Nanjing Night Market—yangrou chuan (lamb skewers) and jianbing (savory crepes).

Nanjing (Days 20-21): Ming Dynasty & Yangtze Views

Day 20: Nanjing City Wall & Confucius Temple
8:00 AM: Walk the Nanjing City Wall—25km of Ming Dynasty ramparts. I rent a bike and ride past ancient gates.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Confucius Temple—Nanjing salted duck (crispy skin, tender meat) and shao bing (sesame flatbread).

3:00 PM: Tour Confucius Temple—a 1,700-year-old temple complex with stone carvings.

7:00 PM: Stay at Nanjing Kempinski Hotel—soak in the indoor pool with a view of the city.

Day 21: Nanjing to Hangzhou
8:00 AM: High-speed train to Hangzhou (1.5 hours). Check into The Peninsula Hangzhou—Art Deco suites with views of the Bund.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Hangzhou Restaurant—West Lake fish in vinegar sauce (tender fish in a sweet-sour broth).

3:00 PM: Rent a paddleboat on West Lake—row past lotus blooms and willow trees.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Lou Wai Lou—Dongpo pork (braised pork belly) and Beggar’s Chicken (clay-baked chicken).

Hangzhou (Days 22-24): Tea Plantations & Song Dynasty Elegance

Day 22: Meijiawu Tea Village & Lingyin Temple

8:00 AM: Private driver to Meijiawu Tea Village. Farmer Li teaches me to roast Longjing tea over charcoal.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Li’s Family Restaurant—Longjing shrimp (stir-fried shrimp with tea leaves) and bamboo shoots (fresh from the mountain).

3:00 PM: Hike Lingyin Temple—1,600-year-old Buddhist carvings.

7:00 PM: Stay at The Peninsula Hangzhou—soak in the hot tub with a view of the tea gardens.

Day 23: West Lake & Leifeng Pagoda

8:00 AM: Tour West Lake—boat ride past lotus blooms and willow trees.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Hangzhou Restaurant—West Lake fish in vinegar sauce (tender fish in a sweet-sour broth).

3:00 PM: Climb Leifeng Pagoda—panoramic views of the lake and city.

7:00 PM: Farewell dinner at The Peninsula Hangzhou—Shanghai-style crab (sweet and buttery) and braised pork (melts in your mouth).

Day 24: Departure from Hangzhou

8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel—Shanghai-style noodles (thick noodles in a spicy broth) and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

9:30 AM: Private car to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport. I reflect on my 30-day journey—China’s ancient capitals have left me forever changed.

Final Reflections:

A Foreign Traveler’s Journey Through China’s Ancient Capitals

As I board my flight home, I carry with me more than souvenirs—I carry a profound appreciation for China’s ability to honor its past while embracing the future. This 30-day odyssey through Beijing, Pingyao, Luoyang, Xi’an, Chengdu, Fenghuang, Dali, Nanjing, and Hangzhou was not merely a tour of sites, but an immersion into layers of history that breathe and evolve.

In Beijing, walking the forbidden city’s marble thresholds, I felt the weight of emperors’ legacies yet marveled at how modernity hums beneath its ancient eaves. The Great Wall’s winds carried tales of laborers who built it centuries ago, their stories echoing as I traced their footsteps. Yet it was the hutongs—where elderly men played chess under persimmon trees and families invited me to share dumplings—that revealed China’s heartbeat: a culture where community transcends time.

Pingyao’s Ming Dynasty walls stood as a testament to preservation, but it was the Rishengchang Draft Bank’s ledgers, still legible after 200 years, that whispered of a nation’s financial ingenuity. In Luoyang, the Longmen Grottoes’ 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs left me awestruck—not just by their artistry, but by the devotion that sustained such labor.

Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, rows of warriors frozen in battle stance, spoke of Qin Shi Huang’s ambition. Yet it was the Muslim Quarter’s aroma of cumin-spiced lamb skewers and the call to prayer echoing from the Great Mosque’s minaret that painted a city where dynasties and cultures converge.

Chengdu’s panda base offered a rare glimpse of conservation in action, where scientists’ dedication to preserving a species mirrored the broader environmental awareness I witnessed across China. In Fenghuang and Dali, Miao and Bai minority villages showcased traditions alive with embroidery, silverwork, and song—a reminder that China’s identity is woven from 56 distinct ethnic threads.

Nanjing’s Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, climbed via 392 stone steps, honored the father of modern China, while the city’s Yangtze River bridges symbolized a nation bridging its own divides. Finally, Hangzhou’s West Lake, where Song Dynasty poets once drew inspiration, now hosts tech startups and tea plantations side by side—a microcosm of China’s journey.

What struck me most was the warmth of strangers: a farmer in Meijiawu sharing Longjing tea leaves, a Luoyang museum guide explaining Tang Dynasty artifacts with passion, a Chengdu taxi driver singing folk songs. These moments transcended language, revealing a culture where hospitality is instinctive.

China is not a monolith but a mosaic—of dynasties, dialects, and dreams. Its ancient capitals are not frozen in time but pulse with innovation, their histories preserved not as relics, but as living narratives. To walk its streets is to step into a dialogue between past and present, where every stone, every dish, every smile tells a story. I leave not as a spectator, but as a student—grateful for the lessons in resilience, creativity, and humanity that China’s ancient capitals so generously shared.